The couple own Wheatons’ Store and sell free range beef, lamb and pork.

The business has now won a gold medal at the 2016 Australian Food Awards.

The Wheatons started selling their meat directly a couple of years ago to give people the option of buying meat that had been farmed in the region.

Mrs Wheaton said the award was an exciting, pleasant surprise.

“We entered the awards just to see where we stood with our products,” she said.

“We knew that the combination of our free range pigs and Steve and Michael Richards and their team at AWE Richards Butchery in Bordertown made a very special product.

“It is so satisfying to have that confirmed in a national competition by experienced judges.”

The Wheatons deliver their products throughout the Wimmera to residents and businesses.

Mrs Wheaton said they also regularly went to the Haven Market and had seen a definite increase in sales throughout the past couple of years.

“We are soon to be on five menus in the Wimmera and people can buy our bacon and mettwurst at Nhill and Dimboola IGAs, The Purple Starfish at Kaniva and Peaches Fruit Market in Horsham,” she said.

Mrs Wheaton said she hoped the award made more people aware that there were high quality products right under their nose.

“A lot of people don’t realise how many good things are produced in the region,” she said.

“It’s not always just about buying on price, value can also be found in supporting Wimmera businesses and high animal welfare.”

Next month, Wheatons’ Store is offering people a three-court meal, featuring meat grown on the farm, followed by a genuine billy tea.

Mrs Wheaton said the scrub barbecue was part of the Dimboola Food Festival.

She said the event would be on August 20 and tickets were $60.

She said people could go to eventbrite.com.au for tickets.

The Australian Food Awards offers entrants the opportunity to benchmark against set criteria; receive invaluable independent feedback from industry experts; and be rewarded for excellence.